2023-24 Regular Season, Game 10: Hurricanes at Philadelphia Flyers (Pregame)

It was a fun return to PNC Arena for the Hurricanes last week. After spending a long time on the road, the Canes took back-to-back wins against Seattle and San Jose in very different ways. They erased a 2-0 deficit against the Kraken, getting heroics from Martin Necas in the final ten seconds of overtime to snap a three-game losing streak. On Friday, in Andrei Svechnikov's return to the lineup, Teuvo Teravainen scored all three goals, and Antti Raanta stopped 20 shots to earn the 20th shutout of his career. Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho finished with assists on two of Teravianen's goals, with Dmitry Orlov and Jalen Chatfield also earning points. After a rough road trip, this was the best response we could've asked for as fans. 

The Opponent: Philadelphia Flyers (4-3-1, 9 Points- 5th in the Metropolitan Division)

After an incredible start last season, the Philadelphia Flyers missed the playoffs for the third straight season and the seventh time in the previous 11. The team's young core carried the team, led by 31 goals and 61 points by Travis Konecny, 27 goals by Owen Tippett, and 46 points by Morgan Frost. Carter Hart also had a strong season, finishing with a .907 SV%. They spent the offseason trying to enhance their youth by surrounding them with veterans who have a winning pedigree. The result has been a solid start to the new season for the Flyers. Konecny is tied for second in the league with eight goals and leads the team with 11 points. Cam Atkinson and Travis Sanheim each have eight points. Joel Farabee is bouncing back after a rough 2022-23 season. Rookie Bobby Brink is tied for second in rookie scoring with six points. Hart is off to a scorching hot start, with a .924 SV% and a 2.18 GAA. The Flyers were victimized by the Ducks on Saturday afternoon. Despite a two-goal performance by Konecny, Frank Vatrano put up his second hat trick of the season, propelling Anaheim to a 7-4 victory over the Flyers. 

Last Season's Meetings- All four meetings a year ago were won by the Hurricanes, and four wins were by one goal. The first matchup was almost exactly a year ago in Philadelphia. Martin Necas tied the game at three late in the third period, allowing Brent Burns to score his second goal in as many games for the overtime-winner. When the Flyers traveled to Raleigh two days before Christmas, the Canes were chasing history. They were amid their record-breaking point streak, needing one point to set the new record for consecutive games with a point. The Canes made Samuel Ersson's NHL debut a nightmare, scoring five goals in the first 28 minutes to end his night, or so he thought. Carter Hart relieved him but had to leave after being run into during the goal that made it 6-2. Ersson returned, and the Flyers nearly completed the comeback, ultimately falling short 6-5. 

They wouldn't meet again until early March in Raleigh. Andrei Svechnikov scored early on the power play, and Pyotr Kochetkov stopped all 19 shots he faced in a 1-0 shutout win. Nine days later, the Canes were in Philadelphia for the final meeting. The Canes led 3-2 after 40 minutes, but two early goals by the Flyers gave them the lead. After drawing a penalty in the final seven seconds, Necas scored with 0.3 seconds left to tie the game and force overtime. Sebastian Aho needed 28 seconds to complete his hat trick as the Canes stunned the fans in Philly. 

Stories of the Night

1. First Division Game of the Year

I wholeheartedly believe the Metropolitan Division is the toughest in the NHL. After nine games against outside competition, the Hurricanes will begin their division slate with three games against Metro opponents. All of the Canes' good work against teams at the bottom of the division last season is completely erased. This game could set the tone for the rest of the trip to the Northeast as they head to New York at the end of the week. 

2. Necas, Turbo, and Who?

During both games at home last week, one player took control of the game, providing all the offense for the team. Against Seattle, Martin Necas scored twice, including the game-winner in overtime, and added an assist in a 3-2 win. On Friday, Teuvo Teravainen recorded a natural hat trick as the Canes shut out the Sharks. Tonight in Philadelphia, will someone else take control? This would be a good night for someone like Andrei Svechnikov to find his first points of the season or for Sebastian Aho to get another hat trick. Could Necas and Teravainen be repeat performers? Is it a defenseman, like former Flyer Tony DeAngelo, who joins the fun? There are plenty of players on this team who can become game-changers, and while this team works best when everyone is contributing, it's always fun to see guys take over. 

3. The Flyers Starting Strong Again

I want someone to study why the Flyers start well and then all apart. In their last four seasons, the Flyers have started 8-3-3, 8-4-3, 7-3-2, and 4-2-1. In the first three seasons, they failed to make the postseason, finishing sixth or worst in all three. They seem to fall off and go on a losing streak. Last season, they went 4-14-5 after their 7-3-2 start. I'm not saying the Flyers are destined to fall out of contention in the next two months. The Flyers could surprise a lot of teams. However, recent history would indicate it could be on the horizon.